“To be fair, I’m the one who gave it to her, so technically, this is partially my fault.”
I can still hear you,Savory said.
As you should.
“She’s responsible for her own choices,” I said. “Even if those choices involve accepting contraband cake from my husband.”
The word “husband” felt strange on my tongue, both foreign and oddly right. Dominic’s expression softened further, as if he’d caught the significance of me using the term.
A breeze rustled through the garden, carrying the scent of flowers and growing things. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the familiar comfort of green life settle over me. Even here in the fae court, surrounded by dying plants and mysterious giggling, there was still beauty. Still hope.
“I should let you get to work on that analysis,” Dominic said, though he made no move to stand. “But would you like to have dinner together tonight in our private dining room? Not the formal hall or the informal one with everyone else. Just us. We could discuss what you learn from examining the tea samples.”
“I’d like that very much,” I said. The prospect of spending more time with him, getting to know the serious, thoughtful man beneath the courtly charm, held a lot of appeal, even when I should be keeping my distance.
“Wonderful.” He rose to his feet, extending a hand to help me up. His palm was warm around mine, and that same tingle sparked between us. “Shall we head backinside? I’m sure Alaina will have those samples sent to our suite shortly.”
I nodded, calling to Savory. My companion launched herself into the air, gliding back to land on my shoulder. She’d apparently found enough insects to settle her stomach, thank the fates.
“You’re certain you’re feeling better?” I asked her.
Better enough,she said.Though I maintain that cake was worth the temporary discomfort.
“You would think that,” I muttered, earning a curious glance from Dominic.
“Companion conversation?” he asked as we walked toward the back entrance.
“She says the cake was worth the consequences.”
“I have to agree with her on that. Though perhaps next time I’ll resist the urge to share treats with your raven.”
“That would be wise.”
We entered the manor house, the cooler air inside a welcome relief after the warmth of the garden.
Dominic paused in the main hallway. “I have a council meeting shortly. It’s nothing exciting. Grain deliveries, tax assessments, budget allocations for the western district’s road repairs. Terribly dull administrative matters. You’re welcome to attend if you’d like, but I won’t be offended if you’d rather use the time to examine those tea samples.”
“I’ll pass this week,” I said, appreciating that he’d offered. “But I would like to start attending those meetings regularly, if you don’t mind. Understanding the court’s daily operations would be helpful.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’d welcome your insight. A fresh perspective could help with some of the issues we’ve been wrestling with.” He smiled. “Though I warn you, budget discussions can be remarkably tedious.”
“I’ll survive. I’ve sat through worse, I’m sure.”
“If you say so.” He glanced down the hallway that must lead to the council chambers. “I should head that way. The councilors get testy if I’m late.”
“Then go,” I said, though part of me wanted to keep talking to him, to extend this comfortable moment between us.
He seemed to feel the same reluctance because he hesitated before finally stepping back. “Until dinner, then.”
“Yes, dinner.”
“I’ll make sure we don’t eat anything that makes us giggle,” he said with a grin. “We’ve had quite enough of that today.”
“Agreed.” Though I wasn’t sure how we’d avoid it if all the food was tainted. Although, my breakfast had been fine.
Either way, dwelling on it wouldn’t help. I needed to map the incidents and trace the patterns. Anything to regain control and prove I could handle this without my judgment slipping.
He walked down the hallway, and I watched him go, admiring the confident way he moved and the breadth of his shoulders. When he glanced back and caught me looking, heat flooded my cheeks, but his answering smile held no mockery, only pleasure.
